A member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who has been serving since January 3, 2017, hails from Texas. Born on September 4, 1967, in Corpus Christi, he has pursued a legal career, earning a Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan School of Law in 1996, after previously obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Throughout his congressional career, he has been actively involved in various legislative efforts focusing on vital issues ranging from education to housing fairness. Notably, he co-sponsored the Veterans, Women, Families with Children, Race, and Persons with Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2023 (HB68), aimed at combating housing discrimination. This legislation requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a testing program to identify disparities in treatment experienced by prospective renters and buyers based on race, gender, and other factors and is indicative of his commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Additionally, he is a co-sponsor of the Keeping Texas School Construction Costs Down Act of 2023 (HB32), which seeks to reduce costs associated with school construction through legal reforms—a reflection of his focus on improving educational infrastructure in Texas. His legislative interests also extend to veterans' affairs, as exemplified by his involvement with the recent U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic Act (HB4136), which aims to honor the late congressman by officially naming a VA clinic after him, emphasizing his dedication to veteran healthcare services.
In terms of committee assignments, he serves on the Financial Services Committee and the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee. His role on these committees allows him to engage directly with policies related to finance, economic security, and foreign affairs, further indicating his broad legislative focus.
Politically, he has demonstrated a strong alignment with progressive values, particularly through his sponsorship of bills supporting fair housing, education access, and veterans' rights. His backing of the American Dream and Promise Act (HB16), which offers pathways to legal residency for certain non-U.S. nationals, showcases his commitment to reforming immigration policies to be more inclusive. This suggests a favorable stance towards social equity, diversity, and inclusion within his legislative priorities.
On personal note, his extensive legal background coupled with his history of involvement in community and civil rights issues shapes his perspective on governance and policy-making. Through both his professional and legislative endeavors, he aims to foster an equitable society where opportunities are available to all citizens.
Overall, his continued efforts in Congress underline a commitment to addressing complex social issues while ensuring the needs of Texas residents are met.